"This is pleasing news for CA and a big step forward in a process that will help enable Fawad Ahmed become an Australian citizen," a Cricket Australia (CA) spokesman said on the governing body's website.

Ahmed has claimed 40 wickets from 14 first class matches

Ahmed, a 31-year-old leg spinner, arrived in Australia in 2010 on a short-term visa and claimed asylum on the grounds of receiving death threats from Islamic extremists for being involved with a Pakistani NGO promoting women's rights.

The spinner, who has claimed 40 wickets from 14 first class matches, was picked in the Australia A squad to tour South Africa and Zimbabwe starting next month but could be handed a debut in the first test against England starting on July 10.

Chief selector John Inverarity said on Wednesday both Ahmed and left-arm spinner Ashton Agar were in contention if Australia had to add a second spinner to the Ashes squad.